When Life Feels Heavy
What happens when there's a ubiquitous feeling of heaviness —loss, uncertainty, and unknowns? A trudging through muck and pluff mud to make it from point A to point B.
A collective blanket of concern and heaviness that covers your space.
For some, there's a definitive outward reason like grief. For others, there's a deep, indescribable weariness that something's off. An internal feeling of unease, chaos, and instability.
It can be a test of the heart, mind, and soul.
You're not meant to do this alone - to singularly hold all of your grief, hopelessness, or sadness. Being held in the presence of others helps lighten the weight, reminding us that healing is not meant to be done in isolation.
Be Kind to Your Mind: The Practice of Self-Compassion
Self-compassion seems to be one of those words where you nod, thinking, "Yep, I know what that word means." However, have more of a deer in the headlight look when you're actually asked to do it.
Suddenly, it becomes a nebulous concept, void of a tangible description. Let me shed some light.
Psychologist Dr. Kristin Neff, the leading expert on self-compassion, describes it as "the process of turning compassion inward."
She goes on to say, "We're kind and understanding rather than harshly self-critical when we fail, make mistakes, or feel inadequate. We give ourselves support and encouragement rather than being cold or judgmental when challenges and difficulties arise in our lives."
Rested, Rooted, & Restored: It’s Retreat Time
Interrupting my usual musings to let you know I’m co-hosting a mini-retreat at Jiva Yoga Center. If you’re in the Hilton Head Island, South Carolina area, you’re invited to say goodbye (for now) to your to-do list, soak up relaxation and calm your nervous system. In only 90 minutes you’ll feel rested, rooted, and restored.
Engine Lights & Self-Care
There’s nothing like it: a sunny, almost cloudless sky, nearly zero humidity, the wind gently blowing through my hair, and me putting on a sold-out concert in my car.
Until…
It shown brightly on an otherwise dark dashboard. My check engine light was on…again—the second time in a week. The bright orange engine indicator was all a glow.
F&**k!!!
Like my car, I, too, need a tune-up. Being true to form, I typically ignore the signs. Pretending it doesn’t exist. (Hand over eyes…la la la.)
This time, I’m tuning in. Here’s what I’m doing this time.
3 Ways to Navigate the Holidays if You’re an Introvert
Being an introvert at this time of year can be tricky, especially with the expectations, events, shopping, and family gatherings. First, let me dispel some myths about introversion—many introverts like people and socializing. Really...we do. The difference is that we get overwhelmed or exhausted if we have to be “on” for a long time. If you’re also a compassionate person, go ahead and multiply that by at least two.